Term of the Moment
Bluetooth headphones
Definition: What's in this encyclopedia
Following are samples of the 40,000+ entries in this tech reference, written by Alan Freedman, one of the first computer programmers in America (more about the author at the end of this page).
Hot Topics
Of course, AI is the hottest tech term on the planet. Crypto is up and down but still on people's minds, and the amazing chip has surpassed science fiction. See AI glossary, crypto glossary, chip manufacturing and hot topics and trends.
Talk Like a Pro
This is the only encyclopedia that highlights the correct way to speak like a computer professional. For example, never mix up terms in never say. See data set, nontrivial, intranet, smart, virtual and digispeak.
You Wouldn't Think to Look Up
See technology forecasting for the worst tech predictions ever. See good user interface, naming fiascos, underwater datacenter and home theater.
Basic Computer Literacy
For decades, this reference helps IT professionals explain things to non-technical users. See computer, data processing, PC, information system, binary, operating system, cache, application, chip and storage vs. memory.
Concepts
Every important technical concept is included. See chip, graphics pipeline, LCD, OLED, SSD, software stack and byte addressable.
Crypto Blockchains
It Takes Two to Tango
Hardware is useless without software, and vice versa. See smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, x86, ARM, Apple M series, image editor, application suite and Web browser.
Popular Devices and Standards
Quick summaries. See iPhone versions, iPad, Mac models, Galaxy S, Pixel phone and standards.
History
Programming
The heart and soul of tech, major languages and programming concepts are included. See source code, programming concepts, programming language, if-then-else and program logic.
Essential Charts
Very useful charts for students and coders. See ASCII chart, space/time and binary values.
Networking
All important networking terms are here. See Internet, WAN, LAN, Ethernet, switch, wireless router and access point.
Humor Is Essential
Written by Alan Freedman, an Educator
Now in his eighties and still authoring this reference, which he started in 1981, Freedman also writes the conversion programs that turn this text into website feeds.
The Classic Nerd
Sixty Years Later
Hot Topics
Of course, AI is the hottest tech term on the planet. Crypto is up and down but still on people's minds, and the amazing chip has surpassed science fiction. See AI glossary, crypto glossary, chip manufacturing and hot topics and trends.
Talk Like a Pro
This is the only encyclopedia that highlights the correct way to speak like a computer professional. For example, never mix up terms in never say. See data set, nontrivial, intranet, smart, virtual and digispeak.
You Wouldn't Think to Look Up
See technology forecasting for the worst tech predictions ever. See good user interface, naming fiascos, underwater datacenter and home theater.
Basic Computer Literacy
For decades, this reference helps IT professionals explain things to non-technical users. See computer, data processing, PC, information system, binary, operating system, cache, application, chip and storage vs. memory.
Concepts
Every important technical concept is included. See chip, graphics pipeline, LCD, OLED, SSD, software stack and byte addressable.
There are more than a thousand crypto terms in this encyclopedia. See crypto glossary.
It Takes Two to Tango
Hardware is useless without software, and vice versa. See smartphone, tablet, desktop computer, x86, ARM, Apple M series, image editor, application suite and Web browser.
Popular Devices and Standards
Quick summaries. See iPhone versions, iPad, Mac models, Galaxy S, Pixel phone and standards.
Everything stems from the past. See early calculators, early computers, early memory and early direct access devices.
Programming
The heart and soul of tech, major languages and programming concepts are included. See source code, programming concepts, programming language, if-then-else and program logic.
Essential Charts
Very useful charts for students and coders. See ASCII chart, space/time and binary values.
Networking
All important networking terms are here. See Internet, WAN, LAN, Ethernet, switch, wireless router and access point.
The tech world can be tedious, and cartoons appear where applicable. See how to spoof your techie friends, buffer flush and Stringy Floppy.
Written by Alan Freedman, an Educator
Now in his eighties and still authoring this reference, which he started in 1981, Freedman also writes the conversion programs that turn this text into website feeds.
Freedman was a lucky guy in 1962. Only two years into his career, he could sit for part of the day. See plugboard.
Freedman knows a lot about the industry, but his passion is the chip. In live presentations, he proves the chip is practically science fiction. See About this encyclopedia.